You’re Making Money—But Are You Actually Profitable?

Let’s have a quick gut check: just because money is coming in doesn’t mean your business is actually profitable.

I say this with love (and with a spreadsheet open): making sales and making profit are not the same thing.

You can have a full roster of clients, steady orders coming in, and still feel like there’s never enough left over. So what gives?

Here’s what might be going on—and what to do about it.

1. You’re Not Tracking Your Expenses (or They’ve Gotten Out of Control)

It happens. A new app here, a software subscription there, a few late-night "I'll write it off" purchases—and suddenly your expenses are quietly eating your profit.

Solution: Pull your Profit & Loss report or review your monthly spreadsheet. Look at what you're spending money on regularly and cut anything that isn't essential.

2. Your Pricing Isn’t Reflecting Your Costs

If your rates were set based on what "felt fair" or what others are charging, there's a good chance you're undercharging.

Remember: your prices need to cover your expenses, not just your time. That includes subscriptions, taxes, admin time, shipping, tools, support staff, and yes—your salary.

If you're not accounting for all of that? Your pricing might be erasing your profit.

3. You’re Making Emotional Money Decisions

We've all been there: saying yes to a low-paying client because the inbox was quiet, buying a course we didn’t need, hiring help before the cash flow could support it.

There’s no shame here—but emotional spending can leave you working hard with little to show for it.

Solution: Build a simple budget or cash flow plan (or use one like the DIY spreadsheet in my shop) to give every dollar a job before you spend it.

4. You’re Not Reviewing Your Numbers Often Enough

Profitability doesn’t happen by accident. It requires regular check-ins.

Block time monthly to look at your financials:

- Revenue

- Expenses

- Net profit

- Biggest money leaks or surprises

If you don’t know what these numbers are telling you, it’s hard to make confident decisions. Even a 30-minute review can go a long way.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to feel like "more sales" is the answer to everything. But more sales with poor margins or out-of-control spending just adds more stress.

Profitability is what gives you breathing room. It’s what pays you. And you deserve to build a business that supports your life—not one that runs you into the ground.

If you're not sure where to start, start here: review your numbers. The truth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always empowering.